Redmond firefighters of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 2829 recently donated about $2,600 and nearly 3,500 pounds of toys, clothes and food to Hopelink, a Redmond-based organization that offers programs to help families in crisis and make progress toward and to achieve self-sufficiency.

These donations were collected from Redmond citizens during the holidays as Santa Claus and his elves toured the neighborhoods throughout the neighborhood with Local 2829’s Antique Fire Truck. Firefighters dropped off the donations on Jan 27.

Hopelink provides services in food, housing, family development, adult education, financial education, transportation, energy assistance and emergency financial assistance to families in need. During the holidays, Redmond firefighters spent the evenings cruising the neighborhoods, visiting kids and collecting donations from families and local business.

Santa Claus is Redmond fleet mechanic/manager Doug Jones along with his elves, fleet mechanic Brian Barrett, department administrative assistant Dawn DeLoach and driver/engineer Shannon Norman, have organized and provided a way to collect these donations while bringing Santa Claus to the neighborhoods so children can make their Christmas wishes to Santa. The Santa truck has been in service more than 20 years and this annual event provides a way for Redmond firefighters to visit the neighborhoods, share the holiday spirit and collect donations for struggling families.